Joe, Yes on the bolt weld. Did one so far. Only the locking area seems hardened to any great degree. I did not pre-anneal. I am going to actually send out my other bolts to a trusted friend, who is much better set up for these than I am.
TIG-ed, using my favorite old standby rod "Super Missile Weld".
Super Missileweld | The Harris Products Group
Only because I have access to it, I used a CNC surface grinder. One could also mill, or stone grind, or use a power wheel if you can get a good fixture for the proper angle presentation. Your only building up a VERY small amount, and taking back down even less, heat input control is the game, so go slow both ways.